In most people's eyes there seems to be little doubt that I am a conservative so I think I can give my perspective with little fear of being accused of being a wild-eyed, pot smoking, radical lefty.  Let me therefore begin this short, short article by specifically stating that it is not designed to address the question of whether or not drugs, per se, should be legalized.  I simply cannot understand how conservatives can support the present configuration while claiming to be supporters of smaller government and State's Rights.  In the very same way I see the "right to abort" one's child as one which should be addressed at the state level, I also see the regulating of drugs to likewise be the constitutionally mandated purview of those very same states, and for many of the same reasons.  

It seems to me that Romney, and others, could effectively broadcast their support of tolerance and freedom by coming out in favor, not of legalizing various illicit drugs, but in favor of allowing each state to decide for itself.  There is nothing more effective in proving one's support of a principle than to evoke and support that principle when it involves something one may personally oppose.  If one only supports, for example, the notion of State's Rights, smaller government, and local governance in certain areas, while dismissing and opposing it in others of a similar nature, it is certainly reasonable to question one's allegiance to that particular principle or set of principles.  

This issue is not a "libertarian" issue, nor is it a "liberal" issue, rather it is a "Constitutional" issue, supported by conservative principles and historical precedent.  How shocking and refreshing might it be for a "conservative" to stand on principle and truly prove one's faith in the system one claims to advocate by initiating the process of returning a small measure of power to the states in an area where one might be tempted to keep it, based solely on the ability to ensure an outcome to one's liking?  I close by emphasizing that the arguments for and against legalization are best addressed in another forum, but in this one I simply suggest we conservatives walk the walk of protectors of the Constitution.

To avoid any confusion, I am well aware of Romney's stance, I simply disagree with it.  Let's keep in mind that Obama is no better.

http://www.americanlivewire.com/mitt-romney-on-medical-marijuana-i-would-not-legalize-marijuana-for-medicinal-purposes/